How to fix skylight diffuser to ceiling?

I have just bought a house where there are two skylights where the screws are coming out of the ceiling (I think the holes are too big for them) and the diffuser frame is no longer attached to the ceiling on that side. How can I affix the screws to the ceiling more securely?

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @jyim11. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about fixing a diffuser.

It sounds like the screws may have lost their grip in the plasterboard. The best approach would be to remove the existing fixings and diffuser frame, then assess the size of the holes. Since standard screws don’t hold well in plasterboard alone, you’ll likely need plasterboard fixings such as Ramset Nylon WallMate Plasterboard Anchors or similar options to create a more secure hold. Once installed, you can then reattach the diffuser frame using the same screws.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

jyim11

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48052#Comment_48052

Thanks Mitchell, this is very helpful!

jyim11

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48052#Comment_48052

Hi Mitchell,

I've just tried screwing in the Wall mate anchor but since the original screw hole is too close to the edge (there's less than 5mm), the anchor has ended up splitting the plaster. Are there alternatives I can use when the original hole is really close to the edge? All the wall plugs seem to be too big.

Thanks,

Jessie

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87109#Comment_87109

Hello @jyim11

Because the anchoring point is so close to the edge. I suggest getting a small piece of timber around 11mm (h) x 40mm (w) x 100mm (l) and attaching it to the edge of the plasterboard with Selleys 100g Liquid Nails Construction Adhesive specifically right next to where you'll be screwing the skylight diffuser. To hold the timber in place you can also screw it to the plasterboard itself. The purpose of the timber piece is to act as anchor for the screw of the diffuser. Using this method will prevent the edge of the plasterboard from breaking apart, this method can also be used for the other sections of the diffuser if you feel that they are not anchored very well. Please remember to drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the timber piece.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nialbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109017#Comment_109017

Morning @jyim11

I was about to suggest some butterfly fly screws/bolts to distribute the weight further afield 🙂 It would still work but I like @EricL 's suggestion better.

Ramset 3 / 16" x 50mm Round Head Toggle Spring - 4 Pack The jaws on these are held closed as you push them through a largish hole (yeah the hole needed is a little bigger, then once above the plaster the "butterfly" wings pop wide. So when you screw them up teh wight will be distribuited over a larger area.

With @EricL 's suggestion, I am presuming he means a piece of timber on the topside of the plaster. This would be a much nicer option and also facilitate removing the diffuser if needed down the track.

Dave

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